Your Holistic IVF Week-By-Week Guide: Part 5 (The Beta Test: Navigating Results & Next Steps)
We are completing this 5 part series on supportive IVF practices with the beta hCG test.
The beta hCG blood test confirms whether implantation occurred and offers a clearer picture than any home pregnancy test. More than giving just a yes or no answer, it gives your care team numbers to track, repeat, and interpret over time. We’ll walk through what to expect on test day, what the results might mean, and what could come next.
The Morning of the Beta Test
What it is exactly:
A beta hCG blood test measures the hormone released after implantation. It’s more sensitive and precise than urine tests. Clinics typically schedule this 7 to 14 days after embryo transfer.Whether to test at home first:
This is totally a personal call. Some women prefer to know ahead of the official results, and others wait. Neither is right or wrong. Only you can decide what will support your mental bandwidth. Just know that at home urine tests are not as sensitive as the blood test.When results come in:
Most clinics will call by the end of day, but it does vary. Some use patient portals. If you're unsure how you’ll be contacted, ask. Decide in advance where and with whom you want to be when you receive the news.What to do while you wait:
Keep the day structured but relaxed. A walk, a pre-planned task, or something that doesn’t demand much decision-making can help the time pass. It’s probably best to avoid Reddit rabbit holes and early pregnancy symptom articles. Eat something nourishing and stay hydrated.
If the Test Is Positive
A positive beta hCG test means that the hormone is present in your bloodstream and your embryo implanted. What happens next is a series of follow-ups to confirm that the pregnancy is progressing as expected.
Next steps:
Your clinic will likely schedule a second beta hCG test 48–72 hours later to confirm that it is rising appropriately (usually doubling every 48–72 hours). A strong second number is a good sign, but one test alone doesn’t tell the full story. You may have a third test and, eventually, a 6–7 week ultrasound to check for a gestational sac, yolk sac, and fetal heartbeat.What you can do now:
Stick to your clinic’s instructions; they may adjust medications or supplements.
Keep your daily routines simple and low-demand.
Prioritize sleep, hydration, and blood sugar stability (eat regular meals).
Continue gentle activity unless told otherwise.
You don’t need to change your whole life overnight but do treat yourself with care.
About early joy (or hesitation):
Feeling cautious isn’t the same as being negative. It’s absolutely a normal response to a process that’s asked a lot of you. There’s no one right way to respond. You don’t need to rush to tell anyone before you’re ready.
If the Test Is Negative
If the beta hCG is zero or below the threshold for pregnancy, the cycle didn’t result in implantation.
First, pause.
You don’t need to make any decisions today. Give yourself a window before thinking about any next steps, talking logistics, or fielding advice from anyone else.Next steps with your clinic:
Most clinics schedule a follow-up to review the cycle and look at what can be learned. You might discuss lab results, medication dosing, egg/embryo quality, transfer protocol, or timing. It’s a chance to gather insight.How to care for yourself:
Stick to regular meals and hydration even if your appetite is off.
Consider taking a short break from social media or fertility forums.
Let one or two trusted people know what you need: space, help, or just quiet company.
Movement, time outside, or doing something unrelated to fertility can help ground your nervous system.
What not to assume:
A negative beta hCG doesn’t mean you did anything wrong, that your body failed, or that you’re out of options. It means this embryo didn’t implant. Nothing more. Nothing less.
When It’s Unclear (Low or Ambiguous Beta)
Sometimes the result falls into a gray area. A lower beta hCG (typically under 25 mIU/mL) may indicate:
A very early pregnancy that may continue
A chemical pregnancy (an embryo that implanted briefly but stopped developing)
Testing a little too early, especially in natural or frozen embryo cycles
What happens next:
Your clinic will repeat the test in 48–72 hours. A healthy pregnancy will usually show a clear rise, often a doubling. If levels stay flat or decline, your care team will guide next steps.What to do in the meantime:
Follow your clinic’s instructions. They may advise staying on medications until there’s clarity. Continue supporting your body with hydration, stable meals, and light movement. Distraction, not fixation, is most helpful here.Don’t jump to conclusions.
One number doesn’t tell the whole story. Let your team guide you through the next few steps before assuming the outcome.
What Comes Next (a Recap)
Whether your beta hCG test is positive, negative, or somewhere in between, here’s what you can expect over the next several days or weeks:
Positive test:
A repeat test to confirm hCG is rising appropriately
Continued medications as advised
First ultrasound around 6–7 weeks gestation
Keep supporting your body with rest, nutrition, hydration, and gentle boundaries with others
Negative test:
A follow-up appointment with your clinic to review what can be learned from the cycle
A natural bleed within the next week or so (unless you stay on meds)
A decision point: whether to rest, regroup, or move directly into another cycle
No need to rush
Low or Ambiguous Beta:
Repeat testing every 2–3 days until the picture becomes clearer
Continued medications until told otherwise
Communication with your clinic is essential; reach out with questions or concerns
This five-part series was designed to walk with you through every phase of the IVF process. Whether you’re preparing for a future transfer or reflecting on a recent one, I hope this provides your with a practical roadmap grounded in real-world tools.
The next steps will look different for everyone. What matters is making decisions that align with your body, your timeline, and your values. Use what resonates, leave what doesn’t, and know that your journey continues. When you're ready, revisit these tools, or share them with someone else who may need them.
If you’d like to revisit earlier guidance, you can return to:
Part 1: Laying the Foundation – What to Do Before the IVF Cycle
Part 2: IVF Stimulation – Supporting Hormones & Staying Grounded
Part 3: Egg Retrieval & Embryo Development – Recover, Rebuild, & Stay Steady
You can also book a consultation to receive personalized support moving forward.